Diamonds are generally significantly cheaper in India than in the UK, often by a margin of 20% to 30%. India, specifically the city of Surat, is the global hub for cutting and polishing, handling over 90% of the world's diamonds.
In India, one cannot overlook the influence of its substantial diamond cutting and polishing industry. Since a considerable share of the world's diamonds are processed there, reduced labor costs contribute to slightly lower prices compared to the global average.
Here's a list of countries where you're most likely to find diamonds at lower prices:
India – Thanks to local diamond cutting factories and low labor costs, India's diamond prices are often more wallet-friendly than most Western countries. ...
Dubai, UAE – Dubai is a go-to spot for buying tax-free diamonds.
India, and more specifically the city of Surat, is a global leader in diamond cutting and polishing. Over 90% of the world's diamonds—by volume—are processed in India. This dominance has made the country a strategic location for buying polished diamonds at competitive prices.
I’m a Jeweler, Here’s How I Buy My Own Diamonds (and Save Big!)
Is it a good time to buy diamonds in India?
The best time often aligns with market conditions and seasonal trends. From November to January, holiday sales and promotions make it an ideal period for buyers. Post-Valentine's Day and summer months like July and August also offer lower demand, leading to better prices.
Technically, the US allows up to $800 worth of foreign-bought goods to be brought in duty-free per traveler, but expensive diamonds usually cross that mark. Above that, you may pay a small duty (often under 5%) but skipping declaration is far more costly—seizure and fines are not unheard of.
A 2 carat stone can cost anywhere from ₹4,00,000 to over ₹15,00,000 depending on several things. The diameter provides a tangible size reference for diamonds, particularly for round brilliant diamonds, which helps in understanding the actual size in addition to the carat weight.
Most genuine diamond rings in India come with a certificate from top labs like IGI, GIA, or SGL. If someone hesitates to show one, that's an instant red flag. Still, some sellers bank on buyers not asking questions. Save yourself some trouble: always ask to see the paperwork before you fall for the sparkle.
In India, a 7 carat lab grown diamond usually ranges from ₹1,40,000 to ₹9,00,000+ depending on colour grade, clarity grade, cut, polish, symmetry, proportions, and certification. Exceptional stones with top grades may command higher prices.
A 1 carat diamond's price varies widely, from a few hundred dollars for lab-grown or lower-quality natural stones (around $300-$2,000) to over $10,000 for high-quality natural diamonds (e.g., $6,000-$10,000 for good quality, up to $12,000-$18,000+ for excellent quality D-F color/IF clarity). The price depends heavily on the "4Cs" (Cut, Color, Clarity) and origin (natural vs. lab-grown), with round shapes typically costing more.
Lab-grown diamonds do not lose their sparkle as they are made with the same process and chemical and physical properties through which natural diamonds are made. Lab diamonds are made through a process called HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) methods.
Another big difference between 1 and 2 carat diamonds is the price. There is a dramatic increase in cost from 1-carat diamonds to 2 carat diamonds. While 1-carat stones cost anywhere from $2,000 – $20,000, 2 carat stones range from $8,000 to $50,000. This is because, the larger the carat weight, the rarer the diamond.
Do Diamonds Appreciate Over Time? Unlike traditional investments such as stocks or real estate, diamonds typically do not appreciate in value over time. Here's why: Resale Challenges: Selling a diamond usually results in receiving less than its original purchase price.
There is no specific limit for domestic flights, but for international travel, customs regulations apply. Passengers must declare jewelry exceeding INR 50,000 (for men) and INR 1,00,000 (for women) when arriving in India.
Is buying diamond jewelry a good investment in India?
Diamond jewellery as investment offers a lot of opportunities provided you do your homework. They are beautiful investment options as long as you don't buy them to resell immediately. They diversify your investment portfolio while giving you access to some of the best jewels in the world of jewellery.
All rough diamond imports from the EU to Great Britain need an EU -issued KP certificate. If you plan to import rough diamonds from EU countries to Great Britain, the EU exporter will need to obtain an EU -issued KP certificate from the relevant EU KP authority.
No, Tiffany & Co. does not sell lab-grown diamonds in its main jewelry collections; they focus on natural, mined diamonds, emphasizing their rarity and natural origin as part of their luxury brand identity and responsible sourcing story. While Tiffany's parent company (LVMH) explores lab-grown diamonds in other brands, Tiffany itself maintains a stance that lab-made diamonds aren't a luxury material, instead highlighting the unique journey and known origins of their mined diamonds.
